Commission suspends Kentucky district judge

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) - A Kentucky district judge was suspended for seven days by the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission on Thursday.

Judge William W. Roberts, whose 21st District includes Bath, Menifee, Montgomery and Rowan counties, waived formal proceedings and entered in to an agreed order with the Commission.

According to the Commission, during a preliminary investigation they learned Roberts was involved in a car crash in Rowan County on March 10, 2018 and left the scene of the accident.

The Commission determined Roberts violated three judicial canons:

--Failing to maintain high standards of conduct and uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary.

--Failing to act in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.

--Failing to be faithful to the law.

His suspension is to run Feb. 15-22, during which time the Commission says he is not to use his office at the Rowan County Justice Center or any other courthouse where he may have an office, and must turn in any access passes, keys or credentials to court security, while the suspension is in effect.

The Commission noted in its order that Roberts fully cooperated with the investigation “and has taken appropriate steps to ensure that the offending conduct will not be repeated.”

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